s.17 Notice under the Freedom of Information Act 2000

WITHHOLDING INFORMATION

Section 31(1)(c) – Information which is not exempt information by virtue of section 30 is exempt information if its disclosure under this Act would, or would be likely to, prejudice the administration of justice

This is a qualified exemption which means that the decision to disclose the requested material is subject to the public interest test.

It may assist you to understand the decision if the public interest factors taken into account in this case is explained:

Public interest factors for disclosure:

- There is a strong public interest in the transparency and accountability of the spending of public money.

- Transparency increases public confidence in the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the wider Criminal Justice System.

- To increase public understanding of the CPS decision making and prosecuting process

Public interest factors against disclosure:

- To disclose information relating to an on-going criminal case outside the established procedural requirements, would be likely to prejudice the decision making processes involved in criminal proceedings which are necessary for the administration of justice.

- There is a profound public interest in the defendant/s receiving a fair hearing.

The profound public interest in ensuring the defendant/s receive a fair hearing means the overall balance of the public interest falls in favour of withholding the information.